Smartphone has become a disease: Amish on parenting, books and Gen Z attention spans

August 17, 2026 - 18:48

Author Amish Tripathi, known for bestsellers like the Shiva Trilogy and the Ram Chandra Series, has spent over sixteen years making Indian mythology accessible to adult readers. Now, he is shifting gears with a new book aimed at younger audiences. Titled Dhruv Tara and the Great Indian History Quiz, the novel is a fast-paced adventure designed to introduce middle-schoolers to India's rich past through an engaging narrative.

In a recent conversation, Tripathi shared his thoughts on modern parenting, the influence of technology, and the shrinking attention spans of Generation Z. He did not hold back when discussing smartphones, calling them a "disease" that has altered how children consume information and interact with the world. According to him, the constant pull of screens has made it harder for young people to focus on long-form reading or deep thinking.

The author believes that books, especially those rooted in cultural pride and historical curiosity, offer a necessary counterbalance. With Dhruv Tara, he aims to make learning feel like an adventure rather than a chore. The story weaves facts about Indian history and heritage into a quiz-based plot, hoping to spark curiosity in readers who might otherwise default to short videos or social media feeds.

Tripathi also touched on his own parenting approach, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries while encouraging exploration. He admitted that raising children in a digital age is challenging, but he stressed that parents need to model the behavior they want to see. His new book, he hopes, will give families a reason to sit down together and enjoy a story that is both educational and entertaining.